Officially dogging designated areas should be created by councils, without fear of people stumbling unexpectedly across them.

That's the view of campaigner and university lecturer Dr Liza Van Zyl, who has called on councils to provide “clearly marked areas” in city forests and parks.

This was after she came across people having sex in public while taking an elderly friend to lunch at a beauty spot.

Dr Van Zyl had no idea she was stumbling into a dogging hotspot while walking with her friend on September 12, on their way to ancient iron mine workings near Fforest Fawr in Cardiff.

Are "official" dogging spots a good idea?

The doctor, from Cardiff Bay, told Wales Online : “It was quite shocking to find lots of middle aged men watching a couple in a car. It was pretty gross.

“I have had incidents in the past where people have parked in cycle lanes.”

Dr Van Zyl, who has not approached any councils directly about her proposal, said it was unlikely the idea would ever be adopted.

She said: “If there was a place away from people normally parking and taking their kids out, where people who wanted to avoid being caught, it would be a sensible approach. But a council would never approve such a plan because it would be an electoral disaster.

“Personally I can’t imagine anything less erotic. I just think it’s gross.”

She said: “I have no objection in principle to consenting adults enjoying carnal activities with each other. Not even if they wish to do so outdoors with lots of people watching them.”

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But she said after “stumbling unexpectedly across such activities in a public area” she believes it is time for councils in affected areas to create “designated, clearly marked areas in forests and parks in which consenting adults can pursue their hobby without the rest of us having to see them do it”.

Dr Van Zyl added: “Anyone who regularly hikes or cycles forest trails know how popular this hobby has become.

“But I’m sure I’m not the only cyclist who is getting more than a little exasperated having to knock on the windows of cars containing couples energetically pursuing their hobby to politely ask them to move their car as it is blocking the cycle path.”

Dr Van Zyl said: “Clearly signposted designated spaces within our public forests and parks with dedicated parking would allow enthusiasts of outdoor sex (both as participants and observers) to enjoy their hobby without accidental interruption by those of us making more traditional use of our outdoor spaces with our dogs, kids, bikes, and friends.”

According to law, it is not illegal to engage in sexual activity outdoors but there are a number of offences which could result from this, such as causing alarm and distress to others, outraging public indecency or exposure.

Criminal offences under the Sexual Offence Act 2003 include engaging in sexual activity in a public lavatory, while exposure with intent to cause alarm or distress and voyeurism on people engaged in a private act without their consent are also criminal offences.